Combination window frame construction



Feb. 13, 1951 R. H STILS 2,541,675

COMBINATION WINDOW FRAME CONSTRUCTION Filed Jan. 29, 1949 5 Sheets-Sheetl 53\ .N632 a/l 7 6 6o 6 v IMM 3 7 y @umg 12 @nz \2\K .2 /IZIZIZ] HIZIIZH: /52 3\ 3 3 ZIZHZIE ZI@ EH/ ZIZHIIE Z//HZE /la 2, ZHIIEEIII ZIIEIIH:6

SEH-:IEN: o IDEEN; 54

\\ I q I /52 2 F/e 1 E 4 Snvetor RICHARD H. ST IL E S 6I F/ G. 3. E,

M Gttotneg Feb. 13, 1951 R. H. sTILEs 2,541,675

COMBINATION WINDOW FRAME CONSTRUCTION Filed Jan. 29, 1949 3 Sheets-'Shee2 RICHARD H. STILE Gttorneg Feb. 13, 1951 R. H. sTlLEs COMBINATIONWINDOW FRAME CONSTRUCTION 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Jan. 29, 1949 F/G. 2O

Snventor RI CHARD H. ST I L E (Iftorneg Patented Feb. 13, 1951COMBINATION WINDOW FRAME.

CONSTRUCTION y Richard H. Stiles, Richland, Mien., assigner of one-halfto Donald O. Stiles, Plainwell, Mich.

Application January 29, 1949, Serial No. I13,558

3 Claims.

This invention relates to window construction and more particularly toan integrated window frame having a movable window sash in its lowerportion and glass blocks in its upper portion.

In recent designs for buildings, glass blocks have frequently beensubstituted for the more` conventional window constructions. However,the usual practice of filling the -`entire Window opening with glassblocks has been found unsatisfactory in many applications and the needfor a practical modication hasbeen recognized for some time. One majorobjection to solid panels of glass blocks in public buildings has beenthat they seal window openings which previously served as exits in theevent of fire or panic. This objection has been a major considerationlimiting the use of glass blocks in school and auditorium construction.

A further objection to said solid panels of glass blocks has been theinability lto open Said panels for needed ventilation. Thissituationfbecomes a serious obstacle both in single dwellings, whereadequate air conditioning systems are not installed, and in multipleunit dwellings or large buildings where failure of the air conditioningsystem might necessitate evacuation of the building unless other meansof ventilation were available.

Attempts have been made to solve the ventila tion problem, only, byproviding a. glass sash,

hinged along its lower edge, in conjunction with said glass blocks.However, this arrangement has proved unsatisfactory, especially whenused at any great distance from the ground or roof, because there is noconvenient way to clean .the outside of either the window or the glassblocks.

Hence, it is desirable that a frame be designed to support a verticallysliding sash as well as glass blocks, thereby providing an opening ofsufficient size to permit the passage therethrough of a mans body. It isfurther desirable that such frame be capable of supporting anchors for aWindow cleaners safety belt in such positions that said Window cleanercan reach all of the glass blocks.

Although these problems have existed and have been recognize-d almostsince the introduction of glass blocks as a standard constructionmaterial, not until my invention had a satisfactory solution theretobeendeveloped. The advantages available from the use of glass blocks aresuch that a suitable modication of the glass block window, overcomingthese disadvantages, has long been desired.

My linvention provides substantially all of the advantages of glassblocks plus those of a conventional window equipped with a verticallyslidf ing sash. Howeventhe construction of a window having bothglassblocks and sliding sash construction involves several diiiicultproblems. In order to provide an easily accessible exit for emergenciesor kfor panel and window cleaning, it is advantageous that the openingto be covered by the sliding sash be located in the lower por# tion ofthe window. Thisrequires a structure of sufficient strength to supportthe glass blocks mounted above the opening, Therefore, one of themajorproblems overcome in designing .my window frame has been to providean economical frame guiciently strong to' support the weight ot theblocks. In' addition, the frame must be pleasing in appearance andrelatively simple to fabricate and 'installP The factor of strength isof utmost importance 20 because glass blocks'are heavy, especially ifthe Particularly is this a crucial requirement with` 25 glass blocksoccupying the upper portion where their weight will tend to deiiect thecentral por-v tion of the frame. Although this applies particu.-

larlyV to that'p'ortion ofl the window acting both as a vsupport for theglass blocks and as a divider between the upper and lower portions ofthe window, it is also necessary for the entire frame to be soAconstructed that it will retain its true shape despite the forces towhich it is subjected.

Another type of problem retarding the use of glass blocks is thedifculty of laying them.` The proper laying of glass blocks requiresskill and knowledge different from that of the average mason because oftheir greater co-efcient of expansion and tendency to loosen from thebindin g mortar unless correctly installed. My frame design permitsinstallation of the glass blocks either at the factory or at a salesagency having men specialized in this particular work and thus assuringa high and `uniform standard of workmanship.

It is, therefore, a primary object of my invention to provide a windowframe design combining an upper portion for support of glass blocks witha lower portion having a conventional slid# ing Sash. i

A further object of my invention is to provide a simple and economicalwindow frame of sufiiciently sturdy construction that it will supportthe weight of glass blocks without deflection either vertically orhorizontally.

n additional object of my invention is to provide such a window framewhich is easy to install.

Additional advantages of my invention will be recognized by thoseskilled in the building design and construction vart upon readingthe.following specification and studying thev accompanyingy drawings, inwhich:

Figure 1 is a front elevation view of my improved window construction,including a pair of window units and each having a sliding sash.

Figure 2 is a sectional view of my improved window construction takenalong the planelI- of Figure l. v j A Figure 3 is a sectional View of myimproved window construction taken along the plane III- III of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a broken, sectional view of my improved window constructiontaken along the plane IV-IV of Figure 1.

l Figure 5 is a fragmentary, sectional view substantially as taken alongthe plane VV of Figure 1.

. Figure 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of lthe corner constructionof the sash for my improved window construction.

' Figure 7 is a fragmentary side elevational View Aof my improved windowconstruction showing the method of joining the peripheral frame membersAand the brick supporting structure.

' Figure 8 is a fragmentary sectional viewV of vmy improved windowconstructionv taken along the plane VIII- VIII of Figure v'1.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary, top view of my frame construction showing themeans for joining the peripheral frame members.

Figure 10 is a fragmentary, sectional view of la modified form of myimproved window construction, substantially as taken along the plane.IV-IV of Figure 1. ,v

Figure 11 is a fragmentary, sectionalV view taken along the plane ofFigure 10.

Figure 12 is a fragmentary interior lview of the lower portion of myimproved window construction. f

In executing the objects and-purposes of my 'invention I havev provideda window construction having a peripheral frame equipped with ahorizontal structural member extending across the opening therein. -Theupper portion of the opening is closed by glass blocksl supported by thehorizontal member and the lower portion of theopening is closable by asash vertically slidable to uncover said lower opening and designed tobe functionally integral with the entire frame.

In the following description the terms inwardly and outwardly are freelyused and are to be taken as inwardly toward the interior of the buildingwhen the window is in place, and outwardly away therefrom.' The termsinside and 'outside are to be taken as interchangeable with inwardly andoutwardly, respectively. The terms upwardly and downwardly are alsofreely used an are to be taken as upwardly in the direction of the topof the window as normally installed and shown in Figure 1 and downwardlyAin the opposite direction. The terms upper and lower are to be taken asinterchangeable with upwardly and downwardly, respectively.

The frame construction presented in the following description is that ofa window utilizing a single frame. However, as is shown in the drawings,the window may be of any size which is a multiple of the basic framesizesince any number of frames can be set side by side in an 4 openingby the simple expedient of substituting joining plates and bolts, wherethe frames are contiguous, for the offset plates normally anchoring theframe to the building structure.

Referring to the drawings in detail, the nuimeral I refers to aperipheral frame having a top member 2, side members 3 and a sill member4. These top, side and sill members are constructed so that a panel ofglass blocks 52 may be supported within the upper portion of the openingformed-thereby near the outside thereof, somewhat in the normal positionof the upper sash of an ordinary double hung window, and a verticallysliding sash frame 30 may be supported in its lower portion, inwardlythereof, in the normal position of the lower sash of said ordinarydouble hungwindow.

The members 2 and 3 and the sill 4 may be secured to each other in anyconvenient, conventional manner, such as by means of the tenons 5(Figure 9) extending from the upper and lower endsof the members 3through appropriate mortises in the member2 and sill 4, and upsetthereagainst. A more detailed and more fully disclosed example of thistype of corner securement may be found in my copending application,Serrial No. 1,220, led January 8, 1948.

The top member 2 (Figure 4) is provided with a sealing flange 9, anoffset portion I0 and a plaster key II. The width of the offset portionI0 vis such that a glass, or other similar, block may be freely seatedwithin it. The side members 3 `(Figures 2 and 3) are each equipped witha channel I2 defined on Vvone outward side by a fixed guide I3 integralwith the side member 3 and on the other side by a detachable guide 6(Figure 3). Each of the detachable guides 6 is secured to the sidemember with which it is associated by means of screws l. The seatportion I4 of the side members is defined by the flanges I5 and I6. VTheflange I6 is an extension of one wall of the fixed guide I3 whichextends the entire length ofthe side member `3. The detachable guide 6is shown as extending the entire vertical length ofthe frame. 'Suchconstruction is not essential -to the operation of my window since thelength of. this member need not be more than twice the height of thehereinafter described sash 30. However, the additional length shown(Figure .4) is desirable from an esthetic standpoint.

The sill memberk 4 consists of an inclined portion Il, step I8 and ridgeI9. Ribs 20 extend ,downwardly from the lower side of the inclinedportion Il to reinforce the member against upward or downward, lateraldeflection.

At a point spaced substantially above the sill member 4 a beam 2l(Figures 1 and 4) extents between the side members 3 parallel to thesill member 4. The beam 2|, in cross section, consists of a horizontalplate 22, a downwardly directed vertical flange 23 secured along theinside edge of said plate and having an upwardly and inwardly extendinghook 24 projecting from the lower portion of said fiange 23, but spacedfrom the end thereof. Relatively short ribs 25 project upwardly from thehorizontal plate 22 and relatively longer ribs 26'extend downwardly fromsaid plate 22. A downwardly inclined flange 21 is provided along theoutside edge of the horizontal plate 22. vThe ribs 25 and 26, theinclined flange 2I and the vertical fiange 23 serve primarily toincrease the moment of inertia of the beam 2| to reinforce it againstbending loads. The ribs 25 also function, respectively, as a mortarlock. v 1` The beam 2I is installed in the peripheral frame l by meansof the tenons 28 (Figures 7 and 8), which are inserted through themortises 29 in the side members 3 and then riveted over to grip rmly theside members 3.

The sash frame 30 (Figures l, 3 and 4) consists of a top rail 3l, siderails 32 andV bottom rail 33. The top rail 3l has a main, box-shapedportion and an outwardly and downwardly extending hook 34. The siderails 32 each consist of a sub- `stantially U-shaped channel having itsopen side facing directed toward the adjacent side members 3 of theperipheral frame I. `The bottom rail 3-3 consists of a substantiallyU-shaped channel having its open side facing directed toward the sillmember 4. The outside leg 35 o f the bottom rail channel 33 is longerthan the inside leg. Integral with the bottom rail 33 is an upwardly andinwardly extending handle 36. The rails of the sash frame, where theyjoin at the corners (Figure 6), are mitered and the resulting joint iswelded, or otherwise suitably fastened, to pro- L A corner member 31,ex-

into the opening 38 it firmly engages the walls of the opening.

The sash frame is preferably suspended upon a pair of conventional,metal sash tapes 39 (Figure 4) resiliently supported in any convenientmanner upon said peripheral frame I, above said sash frame.

This brief mention of said tapes 39 is presented only for the purpose ofcompleteness and is not intended to limit the invention.

A transparent or translucent panel 42 made from any suitable material,such as glass, may be held in place within the frame 30 by a suitablecaulking means 43, such as putty or a rubber gasket, and a glazing bead44 (Figure 3) bearing on the putty or gasket and anchored to the sash bya clip 45 on each of the rails of the sash. The glazing bead 44 isfurther held against accidental disengagement by means of the screws 8.A weather strip 46 (Figure 3) is mounted on the channels of each of theside members I2 and bears against the side rails 32 when the sash frame30 is in place. A U-shaped weather strip 41 (Figure 4) is mounted withinthe hook 34 of the top rail 3|. A V-shaped weather strip 48 is seatedwithin the open end of the bottom rail 33, for engagement with the stepI8 of the sill member 4 when the sash frame 30 is closed.

Although the various individual parts constituting the structuralportions 0f the frame I, including the beam 2I and the sash frame 30,may be made from any suitable metal, said parts are preferablyfabricated from aluminum because' of its resistance to corrosion,suitability for complex extrusions and pleasing appearance.

The glazing bead 44, side rail weather strip 46, meeting rail weatherstrip 41 and sill weather strip 48 are each formed from any suitableresilient material, such as spring-bronze or stainless steel. Othermaterials may be used so long as they have sufficient resiliency. Theresilience of the material both aids in anchoring the parts into placeand causes them to bear against the adjacent part of the windowstructure to effect a sealing action.

A screen 49 (Figure 4) of any suitable design is positioned within theopening ybelow the beam 2| and exterior of the sash frame 30. andis heldin place by the slides 50. The screen nests against the inside face ofthe flange 23 of the beam 2|, and against the flange I 6 on each of theside members 3.

The opening above the beam 2l is closed by a panel of glass blocks 52supported upon the beam 2I. The blocks may be bound to each other in anysuitable manner and are seated at the lower edge of the block panel onthe mortar or grout 53. Along its sides and top, the block panel isreceived into appropriate channel shaped seat portions I4, abovedescribed, of the side frame elements 3 and the offset I8 of the topframe element 2. To permit the glass blocks to expand freely withrespect to the frame, substantial space is provided between the edge ofthe block panel and the adjacent surfaces of the frame elements, whichspace, to prevent drafts, may be lled with a resilient material 55.lSaid resilient material may be anything suitable, such as a fibrousglass insulation. The sealing flange 9a of .the top member 2 and theflanges I5 of the side members 3 project into the opening containing theglass block panel suiciently to enclose and hide the expansion strip 55and prevent outward movement of the blocks 52. The inward wall of theoffset I0 and the upper portion of the vertical flange 23 of the beam 2Ilimit inward movement of the glass blocks 52.

Any suitable and convenient structure may be used to anchor the frame Ito the building strucafs structure 56 by a screw 59.

v'the exterior.

Where the opening requires more than one -frarne unit, as illustrated inFigure 1, two or more frames are mounted sideby Side, each beingvanchored at its top and bottom to the building structure in the samemanner as if it were a single frame window. One side of each of theoutside frames is anchored to the building structure. Where the framesabut each other, the joint between the frames is covered by a plate 60(Figures l2V and v3) on the interior, and finish strip 6I on The plate6U and nish strip 6I are held in place by bolts 62. A bolt 63 (Figures land 2), which is preferably positioned near the upper edge of thewindow, may be provided for engagement `by the safety belt of a personcleaning the Window, and in this embodiment it performs no otherfunction. The plate 60, finish strip 6I and bolts 62 serve to keep eachof the frames in alignment.

The window frame assembly, with or without the glass blocks, is mountedin a suitable opening in a building structure 56 and the offset plates51 are attached to mount it rmly into position. At the time ofinstallation the sill is placed on fresh concrete or grout 40 in orderthat the ribs 20 may penetrate the mixture and rmly anchor the Windowframe in said concrete when it has set. The gap existing around thewindow frame is then closed by means of bricks, mortar or plaster,whichever material is used to complete the particular wall structure andgive a finished appearance thereto.

The sash 30 is mounted in the frame I by removing the detachable guide 6and placing the sash against the xed guide I3 and replacing thedetachable guide 6. As so mounted, the sash may slide vertically betweenthe guides. As the sash 30 is opened it slides upwardly past the beam 2|and the glass blocks 52 and in open position, resides inwardly of andparallel with said panel of glass blocks. The sash, in raised positionis supported by the sash tapes 39. A latching device may be added to thewindow;` however, suchadditions are optional and since they form no partof my invention they are not illustrated. v V 1 If constructed as abovedescribed, the. Il PDer part of the window is sealed against drafts and,.being of glass blocks, requires .little or vnoymaintenance, althoughthe full benefit of daylight is obtained. At the same time the lowerpart ol the window may be opened in case of an emergency or for purposesof ventilation. By conv structing the dual type window as an integratedunit, the proper coordinated functioning ofeach portion is assured andthe installation rendered simple and rapid.

A modication of my window structure (Figures 10 and 11) can be obtained,withcertain advantages being thereby sacriced and others attained, byreplacing the vertically sliding sash frame 30 with a hinged sash |00which is hinged along its lower edge within the frame I upon the windowsill member |09 by means of hinges |0|. l

The detachable guides E5 as well as the metal sash tapes 39 may then Ibeeliminated. The side weather strips |02 (Figure 11) are redesigned tofit, and are secured to, the side members 3 wit-hin the channels I2(Figure 11) for cooperation with the side rails 30. The upwardlyextending portion of the hook 2liV (Figure 4) on the beam 2| iseliminated to leave a horizontal, inwardly extending arm |03 on the beam|06 (Figure 10). An outwardly opening channel |04, having flanges hookedtoward each other along their free edges, is provided along the top rail|05 of the hinged sash |00 for Vreceiving the arm.|03 directed towardthe beam 2|. Any eiective latching device may be used to retain the sashin closed position. A latch of suitable construction (Figure 10) mayconsist of a base |08 secured t0 the beam |06 and a' lever |97 pivotallysupported upon the base |08 for engaging the top rail |05 of the sash|00.

The lower rail ||0 of the hinged sash |00 is so designed that when thesash |00 isv moved about the hinge |0| the rail I0 will not interferewith the guide I3. The sill |09 of the peripheral frame is modied byreducing the height of the ridge and thereby lowering the pivot point ofthe hinge |0|, A weather strip I2, held in the lower part of the hingedsash, presses against the sill |09 when the sash |00 is in, closedposition.

VWhen the window is modied to utilize a hinged sash construction thehinged sash may either be positioned inwardly of the glass blocks 52, asshown, or be placed beneath the glass blocks. If the latter constructionis employed, then the width of the frame can be reduced to eliminate theportion previously used to provide rspace for the sash to slide upwardlypast the glass blocks. Whether or not the width is reduced, it isoptional whether the pivoted sash is hung from the the side members 3.lIn' each case some modif cation of the latching V,structure may benecessary to accommodate the existing circumstances. V

Other variations and modifications will be apparent to personsacquainted with equipment of this general type and the problems and`design thereof; however, each of these'variations and modifications areembraced within the general scope of my invention and will accordinglybe included within the purview of the hereinafter appended 'claimsexcepting as said claims expressly provide otherwise.

1. In window construction a rigid, perpiheral frame dening a centralopening divided into an upper portion closed by masonry glass blocks anda lower portion closed by a movable sash, the means for dividing saidcentral opening and supporting said blocks in cross section comprising:a vertical plate; a horizontal arm integral with said plate intermediatethe upper and lower edges of said'Plate and having a length greater'thanthe thickness of said masonry glass blocks; a ange on the end of saidarm remote from said plate and directed away from said masonry glassblocks; spaced depending vertical legs on said arm spaced from both saidvertical plate and said flange.

v2. Means for dividing theV central opening of a peripheral frame in awindow construction as described in claim 1 wherein said vertical legsextend from both the upper and lower faces of said arm.

3. Means for dividing the central opening of a peripheral frame in awindow construction as described in claim 1 wherein said vertical legsare of unequal length, the longer of said legs being adjacent said ange;a hook shaped sash engaging arm integral with said vertical plate andprojecting from said vertical plate in a direction away from saidhorizontal arm. u

RICE/IARD H. STlLES.

REFERENCES CITED Thefollowing references are of record in the le of thispatent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS NumberTL Name Date 2,129,921 Fogelberg Sept. 13,1938 2,169,865 Banta, Aug. l5, 1939 2,367,129 Kessler Jan. 9, 1945.2,375,910 Forward May 15, 1945 2,416,269 Paul Feb. 18, 1947 2,426,802Wachsmann Sept. 2, 1947 2,490,259 Doner Dec. 6, 1949 OTHER REFERENCESPittsburgh Corning Corporation pamphlet, Glass Blocks, copyright 1948 bythe Pittsburgh Corning Corporation.

